Chapter 65: Clan Assembly (Part 1)
It was around dusk when Uchiha Kei and Kakashi finally parted ways. By now, night had already fallen.
The two had talked about many things—most notably Kei's ideas for the future development of Chidori.
Concepts like Chidori Sharp Spear and Chidori Senbon had sparked Kakashi's interest, and it wasn't hard to imagine that Kei wouldn't even need to guide him much. Kakashi would likely develop them on his own, given that the technique originated from him—his understanding of it naturally ran deeper than Kei's.
As for Kakashi's offer to help Kei improve his swordsmanship, Kei didn't take it too seriously. He didn't have a plan for that at the moment—he'd just have to wait and see.
Strolling back alone to his small home, Kei opened the door only to frown the moment he stepped inside.
Aside from Uchiha Ryoko and Uchiha Keisuke, there was someone else—someone Kei didn't recognize—sitting in the room.
"You're back, Kei," Ryoko greeted him with a smile.
"Yeah, I'm back," Kei replied with a nod, eyeing the unfamiliar man suspiciously. "And who's he?"
"Kei-kun, I'm Uchiha Asahi," the man introduced himself politely. "I'm here to invite you to the clan assembly. I arrived a bit early and didn't catch you, so I waited here. I hope I haven't caused any inconvenience."
"A clan assembly, huh?" Kei glanced at the man again. Though a little puzzled, he nodded. "Alright, Asahi-san. Please lead the way."
Asahi's manner was so courteous, it left Kei with no room to criticize—it even stirred a faint sense of goodwill.
Still, he couldn't figure out why this guy was being so agreeable. Was it a facade? Was someone behind him trying to sway Kei's allegiance?
Kei shook his head, brushing the thoughts aside. Whether genuine or not, he had already made his decisions.
The fact that he was being summoned didn't surprise him. After all, he now had the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, had made a name for himself on the battlefield, and at only thirteen, held the rank of Jonin.
While Kei himself didn't place much importance on these achievements—he'd only pursued them to survive—others saw him as something of a miracle.
Given all that, it was only natural that he'd finally be invited to the clan assembly.
"We've arrived, Kei-kun," said Asahi after a winding walk. They now stood before a modest little house.
"Thank you, Asahi-san." Kei nodded. "I'll head in."
"Kei-kun," Asahi called just before Kei entered, bowing deeply. "Thank you. If you hadn't completed that mission and pushed the war toward its end, my son might never have come home."
So that was it. Kei nodded silently. It seemed Asahi's son had survived thanks to his actions during that mission.
Understanding this, Kei couldn't help but smile wryly to himself. He'd been too tense—always suspecting hidden motives. But sometimes, things really were that simple.
If Asahi's son had also been stationed in the Land of Grass, then he was likely one of the so-called "abandoned shinobi."
"I see," Kei murmured. "What's his name?"
"Kawa," Asahi replied with a warm smile. "His name is Kawa. But he's not particularly talented. He still hasn't awakened his Sharingan and remains a Chunin. If it weren't for you—"
"I just did what I had to do," Kei cut him off. "Thanks for bringing me. I'll go in now."
"Regardless, thank you, Kei-kun." Asahi bowed once more.
Human nature really is funny, Kei thought. He didn't know this "Kawa" kid at all, yet a single mission had drastically altered that boy's fate.
As a father, Asahi was grateful. Kei could only sigh at how deep a parent's love ran. No doubt, Asahi hadn't wanted his son on the battlefield either.
But he had no choice—just like Kei had none. Just like Keisuke and Ryoko had none.
Kei pushed open the wooden door and entered the small house. Despite its size, the room was packed with members of the Uchiha clan.
The atmosphere was heavy. Heads turned to look at him, and while many eyes held discontent, no one said a word.
Kei glanced around, then silently found a spot and knelt down.
The only ones he recognized were Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Hiroki, the latter being someone he'd previously offended. Everyone else was unfamiliar.
"Now that everyone's here, let's begin," Fugaku said, casting a look at Kei. His tone was deep and composed. "Kei-kun, this is your first time attending a clan assembly. I won't fault you for being late. But remember—you're now an elite Uchiha shinobi. Clan meetings are held weekly. I hope you'll be punctual from now on."
"I understand, Clan Head," Kei answered calmly. He didn't argue, nor did he care to.
He knew full well that his presence here was mostly symbolic. He had no backing. He represented no faction—only himself.
Kei had some understanding of the Uchiha's internal politics, but only from the time when the clan was already nearing its downfall.
What exactly they would discuss now was a mystery to him. He didn't know which faction—hawk or dove—each of these representatives belonged to.
It was hard to believe that members of the same clan could be so estranged from each other.
Before his Sharingan awakened on the battlefield, or even before his return, most of them probably didn't even know who "Uchiha Kei" was.
He sat quietly, watching them bicker back and forth as Fugaku moderated with constant mediation and compromise.
Kei couldn't help but wonder if he'd accidentally walked into a fish market.
If Fugaku weren't here to keep the peace, they might've started throwing punches.